Spooky season is upon us, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with some haunted history tied to some of our favorite event destinations! Whether your corporate group is in the mood for ghost stories or you’re simply looking for a unique and eerie atmosphere for your next gathering, these three iconic cities—Seattle, New Orleans, and Chicago—deliver thrills, chills, and unforgettable event experiences. We asked some of our Hosts Global office experts to give us the inside scoop on the best haunted spots in their cities, where both spirits and exceptional events come alive!
Seattle: Ghosts of the Pacific Northwest with Hosts Seattle
Adele Banasik, Account Manager at Hosts Seattle, knows the city like the back of her hand—including its haunted spots. Seattle’s dark history of old underground tunnels and the infamous Great Seattle Fire adds to the spooky vibes this city brings. Whether your group is looking for a bone-chilling team-building experience or an eerie venue with a story, Seattle is the perfect spooky-season destination.
Top Haunts in Seattle
- Seattle Underground: Beneath the bustling streets of Pioneer Square lies the Seattle Underground, a network of hidden passageways built on top of the old city that was devastated by the Great Seattle Fire in 1889. Once the original ground level, these passageways are now a creepy tour through Seattle’s haunted past. Event planners can create a memorable, guided ghost tour for teams looking to learn about the city’s history while feeling the presence of lingering spirits.
- Hotel Sorrento: For a more upscale, haunted venue option, the Hotel Sorrento is a must. With its classic charm and ghostly sightings of a Victorian woman (rumored to be Alice B. Toklas, a prominent literary figure), this historic hotel offers the perfect balance of elegance and eerie ambiance for private receptions or VIP gatherings.
“Seattle has its fair share of haunted history! Whether you’re exploring the underground or hosting a reception in one of the city’s haunted hotels, Seattle provides a spine-tingling backdrop for unforgettable events.” – Adele Banasik, Hosts Seattle
New Orleans: The Ghostly Grandeur of the French Quarter with Hosts New Orleans
Victoria Cambise Account Executive of Hosts New Orleans, thrives in a city that practically invented spooky charm. With its voodoo history, haunted mansions, and legends of spirits wandering the streets of the French Quarter, New Orleans is the ultimate destination for eerie yet captivating events. The city’s rich cultural history paired with its haunted past offers event planners endless opportunities for unique, spine-chilling experiences.
Top Haunts in New Orleans
- Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar: One of the oldest structures in New Orleans, Lafitte’s is rumored to be haunted by the pirate Jean Lafitte himself. It’s a perfect location for casual after-hours networking, where guests can sip cocktails and listen to stories about the bar’s ghostly patrons while basking in the timeless atmosphere of the French Quarter.
- The Mortuary: If you’re ready to take the chills to the next level, consider hosting a haunted experience at The Mortuary. This historic mansion, surrounded by 100-year-old above ground cemeteries, and now turned haunted attraction is rumored to be one of the most haunted places in the city. For a team-building experience unlike any other, why not challenge your guests to make it through the haunted mansion together? It’s sure to bond them in terror!
“New Orleans is packed with supernatural energy. From haunted mansions to voodoo legends, we can create experiences that capture the eerie magic of the city. You’ll never look at a venue the same way again!” – Victoria Cambise, Hosts New Orleans
Chicago: Windy City Phantoms with Hosts Chicago
Alex Tomooka, Associate Director of Sales at Hosts Chicago, brings us to the Windy City, a metropolis that not only boasts breathtaking skylines and historic architecture but also a hauntingly rich history. From the infamous mobsters of the 1920s to the city’s role in the Great Chicago Fire, the ghosts of Chicago’s past lurk just below the surface, waiting to make an appearance at your next corporate event.
Top Haunts in Chicago
- The Congress Plaza Hotel: Built in 1893 to accommodate visitors to the World’s Columbian Exposition, the Congress Plaza Hotel is steeped in eerie lore. Guests have reported sightings of ghosts, flickering lights, and phantom footsteps. The hotel is an ideal venue for corporate events, offering a grand atmosphere with just a touch of the supernatural.
- Graceland Cemetery: This serene yet hauntingly beautiful cemetery is the final resting place of many of Chicago’s most notable citizens. Consider booking a twilight walking tour through Graceland for a more subdued, reflective team-building experience. It’s a unique way to explore the city’s history while tapping into the mysterious.
“Chicago’s history is filled with intrigue and mystery. Whether it’s a haunted hotel or a ghost tour, the city offers event planners the perfect blend of sophistication and spooky storytelling.” – Alex Tomooka, Hosts Chicago
Why Spooky Season Is Perfect for Corporate Events
Incorporating haunted history or supernatural elements into your corporate events during spooky season adds an unexpected layer of excitement and engagement. It’s more than just a theme—it’s a way to tap into local culture, offering attendees a unique experience that blends fun, history, and just the right amount of fright. Haunted tours, eerie venues, and immersive experiences make for great team-building activities, leaving your guests talking about your event long after the final ghost story is told.
Let Hosts Global Help Bring the Spooky Magic to Your Event
At Hosts Global, we believe in the power of storytelling and experiential events—and what better time to tell a chilling story than during spooky season? Our teams in Seattle, New Orleans, and Chicago know all the haunted corners of their cities and can help you craft an event that combines the thrill of the supernatural with the sophistication of a corporate gathering.
